The management of arts and culture learning resources along the Nakhon Chai Si River, Nakhon Pathom Province : A Case Study of Wat Rai Khing,Wat Tha Phut, and Wat Don Wai

Abstract

     This study aimed to inventigate the problems and the management of arts and cultural learning resources along the Nakhon Chai Si River, focusing on Wat Rai Khing, Wat Tha Phut, and Wat Don Wai, in order to promote the sustainability of local culture. These three temples function as important religious and cultural centers and play a significant role in supporting cultural tourism in surrounding communities. A mixed-methods research design was employed to examine management conditions, existing problems, and visitor perspectives. Data were collected using two methods. First, in-depth interviews were conducted with local government administrators and individuals involved in temple management through purposive sampling in order to examine current management practices and related problems. Second, questionnaire surveys were administered to vendors, tourists, and members of the general public using accidental sampling. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions and percentages.

                The research result found that all three temples face a personnel shortage to manage their cultural learning resources. The initial solution is to assign monks and lay assistants the resources to ensure continued service to tourists and the public. Furthermore, distinctive characteristics of each temple's cultural learning resources differ: 1) Wat Rai Khing has the important learning resource of arts and culture such as the ubosot housing Luang Pho at Wat Rai Khing, Wat Rai Khing Museum, and Baan Din Inthanat. The primary reason for visiting was to pay respects and make merit 96.0% 2) Wat Tha Phut has the important learning resource of arts and cultural such as Prachulamanee Pagoda, and Local Museum. The primary reason for visiting was to pay respects and make merit 64.0% 3) Wat Don Wai has the notable cultural learning resources include the ubosot housing Luang Pho Wisahan at Wat Don Wai is Don Wai Floating Market which is the national tourist attraction. The primary reason for visiting was to shop 48.0%